The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) is seeking new members to join its Gas Technical Standards Committee (GTSC), it has been revealed.

It follows a decision to widen the scope in response to increased activity in the areas of renewable gas and hydrogen both within the gas industry and the European and International standardisation work programme.

This will further support the actions set out in the Government’s Climate Action Plan 2019, which relate directly to the gas sector.

Injecting biomethane into the existing gas network

Actions in the plan, include moving towards low carbon heating by injecting biomethane into the existing gas network. It also signals a move away from diesel fuelled trucks and buses to transport that is powered using compressed natural gas and hydrogen.

As part of mounting efforts to lower carbon emissions, experts in the areas of renewable gas, hydrogen and LNG will be needed, to advise the NSAI on what standards need to be adopted and developed to help Ireland move towards a low carbon economy.

The GTSC 2018 Activity Report was launched this week by Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment Mr Sean Canney TD.

The report describes how 2018 was a busy year for all the GTSC committees with 37 national meetings held, over 40 Irish, European and International standards reviewed, as well as the drafting of three national standards.

A major milestone achieved in 2018 was the public inquiry of IS 820, Non-domestic gas installations, which was then published earlier this year.

In the report Liam Nolan, head of technical competency and standards at Gas Networks Ireland and incoming GTSC chairman, acknowledges the efforts made by the gas industry in 2018 towards decarbonising gas in Ireland.

'Gas industry no exception'

"All sectors of Irish society have a role in meeting these challenges [climate change] and the gas industry is no exception," he said.

"The development of gas standards at both an Irish and European level will continue to be a critical enabler to meet the challenges of today and the challenges which lie ahead for the gas industry in Ireland."

NSAI chief executive Geraldine Larkin said: “Significant efforts are already underway to transition to a low carbon economy. This will see entire sectors of the economy undergo radical changes and create new types of enterprises and jobs.

"The leadership role both the government and public bodies like NSAI can play in taking early action on climate change is fundamental to achieving our decarbonisation goals.”